Writer in residence for local LGBT community

Lit Up!, the new writer and writing development programme for Poole and Bournemouth, is delighted to announce the appointment of a writer in residence within the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans) community in Bournemouth and Poole.

The selected writer, poet Andrew McMillan, will be working within the Over the Rainbow centre, St Michael’s Road, Bournemouth on most Thursdays and Fridays from 19 January – 24 February and will be offering free group and one-to-one writing sessions for the local LGBT community.

Lit Up! project manager Amy Mason, said: “This is an amazing opportunity to celebrate one of our most established and vibrant local communities as well as a chance for local LGBT people to try their hand at writing.”

Andrew McMillan said: “I can’t wait to start working with the amazing LGBT community in Bournemouth and supporting them to tell their stories and release their creativity.”

Councillor Judy Butt, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Communities, Public Engagement and Participation, Borough of Poole, said: “It’s great news that someone of Andrew McMillan’s calibre is supporting this programme with his expertise. I very much look forward to seeing some of the completed pieces and hope that a platform can be found where they can be shared with local communities.”

Local novelist and facilitator, James Cole, will also be on-hand to lead some sessions for those who are keen to write longer pieces of work.